Can a gerund be used after ‘to’?

HOWEVER, there is always an exception to the rule in English! Normally, ‘to’ goes with a verb (as part of the infinitive form), not a noun. If, however, the ‘to’ is a preposition that is part of a combination, then it is OK to use a gerund after to.

Here are three situations in which you can use a gerund after the preposition to:

1) If the to is part of a phrasal verb or verb + preposition combination:

I look forward to meeting your parents tonight!

He confessed to killing his next-door neighbour.

She adjusted to living on her own.

He objects to spending so much money on a T.V.

Mother Theresa devoted her life to helping the poor.

(Remember, not every verb + preposition combination is a phrasal verb! A phrasal verb is when the preposition changes the meaning of the verb.)

2) If the to is part of an adjective + preposition combination:

I am addicted to watching soap operas on T.V.!

She is committedto improving the education system.

I am opposed to increasing taxes.

Many of the nurses and doctors in the hospital are truly dedicated tomaking life better for the patients.

NOTES:

*Remember, you can use to + gerund, but the to MUST be a preposition that is part of a combination. You CANNOT say:

XI want to going shopping.

XI like to listening to music.

*Also note that in the above combinations, you could NOT use to + verb. You CAN’T say:

XHe objects to spend so much money on a T.V.

XI am opposed to increase taxes

*As you may know, gerunds can be used after prepositions. This does NOT mean that gerunds must always be used after prepositions. Verb / adjective / noun combinations could also be followed by any noun or noun phrase:

I’m looking forward to her party tonight!

He confessed to the murder of his next-door neighbour.

I haven’t adjusted to the time change yet.

~

Now, I’m sure your next question is: how do I know what verb / noun / adjective combinations include to? Unfortunately there is no easy answer. You can memorize lists, or you can do as much reading and listening as possible in English so that you get used to seeing and hearing these combinations! The purpose of the post was just to make you aware that there are certain, specific circumstances when you can use to + gerund.

I’m Brazilian, love to learn English language by myself and your tips are simply great. Although I already have a reasonable knowledge of the language, I still struggle with some details, for I have never taken English classes. So please forgive me if my question is stupid, but I don’t understand the use of the infinitive in VERY simples cases like this: “I just called to say hi”.
In this case, suppose the word “to” is not part of the infinitive but a preposition, right? So if “to” works as a preposition here, why isn’t the verb “say” on the gerund form??
I always think it would be logical this way: “I just called to saying hi”, where “to saying” is “to + to say”.
Could you please help me? Thank you very very much.

In this case we need to focus on the verb ‘call,’ not on the preposition ‘to.’

‘Call + to’ is NOT a verb+preposition combination. You can say “I called him.” or “She called me.” In those sentences, you cannot use ‘to.’ You can’t say “I called TO him.” So, the verb call doesn’t need the preposition ‘to.’

If you are going to use another verb after ‘call,’ then you need to use the infinitive form (to + verb) of the verb:
“I just called to say hi!”
“I just called to tell you I am at work.”
“I just called to let you know that I’m going to be late for dinner.”
“I just called to remind you to pick up the kids at school.”

It’s the rule! Some verbs are followed by a gerund, some verbs are followed by an infinitive, and some verbs can be followed by both. I have no idea why … that’s just the way it is!

As i’ve read your explanation, all the combinations above are used with ‘to+gerund’. I just want to know if some of the combinations above work
with ‘to+verb’? Or is it the rule that all the combinations above must use with ‘to+gerund’?
Ex: I’m addicted to watching cartoons.(like your explanation)
Ex: I’m addicted to watch cartoons.(Is it correct?)

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[…] Grammar – Can a gerund be used after ‘to’? In a previous post, I explained when you can and can’t use for + gerund , and I noted a basic grammar rule: HOWEVER, there is always an exception to the rule in English! Normally, ‘to’ goes with a verb (as part of the infinitive form), not a noun. If, however, the ‘to’ is a preposition that is part of a combination , then it is OK to use a gerund after to . 1) If the to is part of a phrasal verb or verb + preposition combination : […]

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I help English learners move from the classroom into the real world by teaching you real world sentences and helping you understand natural spoken English. I also help you find the best study tips and training techniques that work for you!